Twin Sisters Mona and Lisa Sarines Lead Junior Golf Tour's Summer Swing
The Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) launches its two-series summer swing today, Monday, April 6, 2026, with a surge of energy and anticipation as 80 young golfers gather at the scenic Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas. This event marks the opening leg of the Luzon series, setting the stage for a season filled with competition and growth.
Renewed Determination and High Stakes
After a prolonged break, some players may face initial rust, but their eagerness to compete and prove themselves quickly overshadows any challenges. Armed with months of preparation and renewed determination, these rising talents are poised to showcase not only their skills but also their resilience and hunger for success. The JPGT serves as more than just a tournament; it is a vital proving ground where dreams take shape and ambitions are sharpened.
For many young golfers, this summer circuit represents a crucial step toward higher levels of competition, instilling discipline, mental toughness, and the confidence needed to excel on bigger stages. The tour features six legs each for the Luzon and Visayas-Mindanao Series, played across premier championship courses, providing a comprehensive test of skill, consistency, and composure.
Competitive Divisions and Key Players
Open to players aged 7 to 18, the tour follows a stroke-play format tailored to each age group: 36 holes for the 7-10 and 11-14 divisions, and 54 holes for the premier 15-18 category. All eyes are on twin sisters Mona and Lisa Sarines, who have moved up to the highly competitive 15-18 category after dominating the 11-14 class. They join a formidable field including Rafa Anciano, Alexie Gabi, Maven Pallasigui, Mena Dimaunahan, Samantha Abaya, Ysabel Lucido, and Kendra Garingalao, setting the stage for a fierce and unpredictable showdown.
The boys' 15-18 division promises an equally thrilling contest, with multi-titled standouts Patrick Tambalque and Shinichi Suzuki leading a deep roster of contenders such as Marc Nadales, Jose Jacobo Gomez, Jose Carlos Taruc, Tristan Padilla, Geoffrey Tan, Enzo Cham, Ramon Fabie, and BenHur Bang-i.
Younger Divisions and National Expansion
Competition remains intense in the younger divisions. The boys' 11-14 category features a stacked lineup led by Vito Sarines, Race Manhit, Chan Ahn, and Ryuji Suzuki, while the girls' side sees Althea Bañez, Mavis Espedido, Maurysse Abalos, Quincy Pilac, Aerin Chan, Tyra Garingalao, and Georgina Handog vying for top honors.
In the youngest 7-10 bracket, emerging talents like Winter Serapio, a dominant force last year, Adrianna Cabrera, Elizabeth Laurel, Laura Pablo, and MarieClaire Mendoza headline the girls' field, while Asher Abad, Mavricks Abalos, Blake Sy, Kenzo Tan, and Michael Matias lead the boys' cast, each eager to make an early mark.
Meanwhile, the Visayas-Mindanao Series begins its campaign on Wednesday, April 8, at Mactan Island Golf Course in Cebu, further expanding opportunities for young golfers nationwide. The summer scheduling by the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. ensures maximum participation, allowing student-athletes to compete without academic conflicts while minimizing weather disruptions that previously hampered play.
Journey to the Elite Junior Finals
Ultimately, the JPGT is more than a competition; it is a journey. As players accumulate points across the legs, only their best three results will count toward qualification for the Elite Junior Finals, set for September 15-18 at The Country Club. There, the top four players from each region and division will clash in the much-anticipated North vs. South Finals, with the North side aiming to defend its crown.
Leg 2 will be held from April 13-15 at Alta Vista in Cebu for the Vis-Min Series, and from April 14-16 for Luzon players at Summit Point in Lipa City. The John Hay Golf Club in Baguio will host the third Luzon leg from April 28-30, while the Vis-Min players resume their campaign at Del Monte in Bukidnon from April 29 to May 1.
